Miss Arkansas Delta

PRELIMINARY RULES & REGULATIONS

 

 

Eligibility

  • The pageant is open to contestants of all ages and divisions.

  • Contestants qualifying for scholarships (Teen, Junior & Miss) must reside in or have a connection to the state of Arkansas.

  • Contestants may only compete in one division per preliminary.

  • Previous contestants are eligible to compete unless currently holding a 2026 Preliminary Title.

Preliminary Qualification

  • Winners of each division at a preliminary will be crowned Official Preliminary Queens.

  • Preliminary Queens automatically qualify for the Miss Arkansas Delta State Finals.

  • A contestant may not compete in additional preliminaries after winning a title for the current season.

Registration & Fees

  • All contestants must complete the official registration form and submit entry fees prior to the deadline.

  • Entry fees are non-refundable but can be transferred (to the next preliminary) one time.

  • Late entries may be accepted at the discretion of the director.

Competition Categories

  • Interview (Teen, Junior and Miss divisions only)

  • Fun Fashion
  • Beauty / Formal Wear
  • Side Awards: Photogenic, Most Beautiful, Best Dressed, Prettiest Eyes, Prettiest Hair and Prettiest Smile (Please note that these side awards do not influence the selection of the Queen or Alternates in the division.)

Awards

  • Each division will award a Queen, 1st Alternate, 2nd Alternate, and Side Awards and People's Choice.

Judging

  • All decisions by the judging panel are final.

  • Judges are selected for their experience, professionalism, and fairness.

  • During the pageant, kindly maintain a respectful distance from the judges' table and refrain from standing directly behind or in close proximity to their area.
  • Score Sheets will be made available on the Monday following the pageant. To request a copy, please contact us via email at info@missarkansasdelta.com.

Sportsmanship

  • Good sportsmanship is expected from all contestants, parents, and guests.

  • Unsportsmanlike behavior may result in disqualification without refund.

  • Negative or disruptive conduct toward judges, staff, or contestants will not be tolerated.

Titleholder Responsibilities

  • Preliminary Queens agree to represent the Miss Arkansas Delta system in a positive and professional manner.

  • Queens are expected to attend and compete at the State Finals.

  • Failure to fulfill duties may result in title forfeiture.

Media & Photography

  • By entering, contestants grant permission for photos/videos to be used for promotional purposes.

  • No compensation will be provided for media use.

Liability

  • The Miss Arkansas Delta Scholarship Foundation is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.

  • Participation is at your own risk.

Director’s Authority

  • The director reserves the right to combine divisions, adjust scheduling, or make necessary changes.

  • All rules are subject to interpretation by the director.

General Admission and Fees

  • The pageant is open to the public.

  • Admission tickets may be purchased at the door or online, in advance.

  • Seating is general admission unless otherwise specified.

  • Children ages 5 and under may be admitted free with a paid adult.

  • All admission fees are non-refundable.

Check-In & Credentials

  • Contestants must check in during the designated time before the pageant begins.

  • Only registered contestants and approved participants are allowed in dressing areas .(see all Dressing Room rules below)

  • Wristbands are required for access.

Beauty

  • Participants aged 0-7 will compete in short (cupcake-style) pageant dresses.

  • Participants aged 8+ will compete in long formal pageant dresses.

  • Footwear is mandatory on stage at all times.

Fun Fashion

  • Fun Fashion allows contestants to showcase their personal style through a variety of outfits, often described as red-carpet-ready, like cocktail dresses or patterned jumpsuits, allowing them to express their personality and creativity. 
  • The fun fashion category is designed to give contestants an opportunity to express their personal sense of style and showcase their creativity through fashion. Please note that the Fun Fashion award does not influence the selection of the Queen or Alternates in the division. 
Dressing Rooms
  • Only the contestant and a single designated assistant will be permitted access to the dressing room.
  • The assistant must possess and display an official armband for entry.
  • Plug-ins will need to be shared.
  • Secure your space and be respectful of other contestants and their space/belongings.
  • Males are strictly prohibited from entering the dressing rooms. In instances where a male will accompany the contestant on stage, he will meet the contestant in the backstage area.
  • Absolutely no photos are allowed to be taken in the dressing room. 

 

Makeup

  • Makeup should enhance natural beauty and be age-appropriate for each division.

  • Judges are looking for clean, polished, and confident presentation.

  • Baby, Tiny, Toddler, Mini Divisions:

    • Light or natural makeup only (if any)

    • No heavy foundation, contouring, or bold eye looks

  • Little & Petite Divisions:

    • Soft, natural makeup recommended

    • Light foundation, blush, mascara, and neutral tones

  • PreTeen, Teen, Miss & Ms Divisions:

    • Full makeup is permitted

    • Should remain tasteful, blended, and stage-appropriate

Photogenic

  • Participants from all age divisions are invited to compete in a photogenic contest within their respective age groups.
  • Must be a recent photograph, taken within the past year, must be uploaded during the registration process.
  • It is recommended that the photograph maintain a natural appearance and avoid excessive filtering.
  • Photos can be color or black & white.
  • Headshots or upper-body photos are preferred but full-length photos are allowed.

Interview

  • Teen Miss, Junior Miss and Miss divisions will include Interview.
  • Business Professional" or "Sunday Best." Modesty is key. Avoid necklines that are too low or hemlines that are too short.
  • Each interview will last 2-3 minutes. 

People’s Choice

  • Each participant is permitted to accumulate an unlimited number of votes.
  • Votes are priced at $1 each.
  • The individual in each category who secures the highest number of votes will be awarded the People’s Choice title.
  • All funds collected prior to pageant day must be submitted during the designated check-in process.
  • Online voting will close at midnight on the evening prior to the pageant.
  • Please note that the People’s Choice award does not influence the selection of the Queen in each division. 

Overall People’s Choice

  • The contestant receiving the highest number of People's Choice votes among all participants will be awarded the Overall People's Choice title and will receive an additional crown. 

    Age Groups and Information

    Baby Miss -0-12 months | Tiny Miss - 13-23 months |  Toddler Miss - 2-3 years | Mini Miss -4-5 years | Little Miss -6-7 years | Petite Miss -8-10 years |  PreTeen Miss -11-12 years | Teen Miss - 13-15 years | Jr Miss - 16-17 years | Miss - 18+ (never married and no children) | MS - 18-29 | ELITE MS - 30-45 | ELEGANT MS - 46-59 | SENIOR MS 60+

    Refund Policy

    • No refunds will be issued for admission, People's Choice votes or registration fees.

    • Exceptions may be made only at the director’s discretion.

    ✨ Final Note

    Participation in the Miss Arkansas Delta Preliminary Pageant constitutes full agreement with all rules and regulations stated above.